2025 Topic
“How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times”
Top District Finisher receives $2,500 Scholarship
2nd Place $1500 / 3rd Place $1,000
Who May Enter: Contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2024, and who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent.
How To Enter
Download more information and the Application HERE
Entry Deadline - April 21, 2025
All entries must be received on or before this date.
Contest Date - April 24, 7:00 PM
All applicants will be invited to participate in the Club contest held on April 24, 7:00 PM at the Optimist Banquet Hall, 2110 Vandora Springs Road, Garner, NC.
NC. North Carolina East District contest will be held at 1:00 PM, May 3 in Goldsboro, NC.
Application Submission
Please either mail or email their Entry packet directly to:
Dave Griffiths, Oratorical Contest Chairperson
2512 Nassau Trace
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
PH: 703.216.0110
E-mail: david.griffiths@studio229llc.com
History
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives the next generation the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations is awarded annually from this program.
First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000.